Canal lock variable speed hydropower turbine design and control

The design of a novel submerged hydraulic turbine for producing electricity by converting the available hydropower on canal locks during raising and lowering ships, but with the minimum overall impact on the facility, is being considered. The hydraulic head in such applications is low (few meters) and varies over time (from its maximum value down to zero) resulting in a low potential conversion of hydraulic head in electrical energy. The study involves the modification of the hydraulic transient system, the design and performance estimation of a hydraulic turbine. Based on the performance curves, a permanent magnet Vernier generator is designed. The models of hydraulic turbine and generator are added to the system model and simulations results of the whole system are presented.Region Hauts de Franc

Quantitative Design of a High Performance Permanent Magnet Vernier Generator

Permanent-magnet vernier machines are becoming more and more attractive due to their high torque density and low-speed operating capabilities. This paper investigates the effects of the magnet thickness, magnet pole arc ratio, and slot open ratio on the torque capacity. An analytical model is first presented. It is validated by comparing the results with the finite-element analysis (FEA) under the same hypothesis. A mono-objective optimization is then conducted on the basis of the analytical model coupled to genetic algorithm to reach the optimal values yielding the highest value of the torque. Finally, the influence of nonlinear magnetic material behavior on the optimal design is investigated through nonlinear FEA. The results are presented and discussedRegion Hauts de France EDF VN